trasfer case shift motor

Hello all,
Just found this forum as I was searching for a bit of tech info. I own several fords, but the issue i'm having is with my 95 F150 XLT 4x4. The shift motor crapped out on me quite a while back, so I located a reproduction replacement and installed it. I My problem now is that it seems to not be aligned with the actual tranfer case shifts. It seems to work ok in 2wd but if I swich it to 4, it will work for a bit, then without warning the transfer case will slip into neutral, and then all hell breaks loose with gears grinding as I try to shift it back to 2 to try again. I read somewhere that the tranny control module may need to be reprogrammed after installing a shift motor? Not sure if thats my issue, or what? maybe my replacement motor is not set up properly? or I just got a dud? Has anyone else here had this issue or heard of this? I'm guessing reprogramming the tranny control system requires a trip to my local dealership? I'm thinking I might just try buying & replacing the shift motor again, but hoping I dont just end up with the same issue. I don't use the truck much so it took me quite a while before I actually needed 4wd and noticed the problem so any warranty on the part is long gone. So some ideas or a bit of advise would be much appriciated. Thanks

I agree with danr1 about the shift indicator on the motor (limit switch) but there might be something mechanically wrong also. There is a plate on the back side of the shift motor, made of plastic I believe, that has a few wires going into it. There are three screws around the perimeter (at least on mine) that hold it into position but if you loosen those screws, you can rotate the plate (adjusting where the shift computer thinks the shift motor is) to align it correctly.

Underneath the shift motor, the linkage that it is connected to is shaped like an arrow. I'm not sure if you remember when you had it off last but that linkage points to what position the transfer case is currently at. The positions I believe are as follows. Looking at the linkage like a clock face, 9 o'clock will be 2H. When you actuate the 4X4, it turns 90 degrees counter clockwise to the 6 o'clock position which is 4H. And putting it in the low range rotates the linkage another 180 degrees counter clockwise to the 12 o'clock position to engage 4L. I believe that when you adjust the linkage by rotating the positioning plate, you do it in 4H that way the linkage isn't limited out at either end of the transfer case's linkage range. The best way you can verify the position then would be to put it into 4H and remove the shift motor and see where the indicator is at. Vice versa you can check if there is anything mechanically wrong with the transfer case the same way. If you happen to pull the shift motor when your having the grinding issue that would verify if you have something internally wrong in the transfer case.

There is a well know issue with the oil pump inside the BW1356 transfer case failing. This causes the bushings on the range fork to wear out prematurely. This also causes excessive play in the range fork and can make it to slip into neutral and in turn cause the grinding. Don't ask me how I know because it was a long stressful ride home . Hopefully it's just an adjustment and everything will work out fine. Good luck on checking the adjustment and keep us posted.

Also, welcome to FTE. You can find all sorts of great info and a lot of knowledgeable people around here.

This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. Ford® is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.